How-To Geek

When I upgraded my PC a couple of years ago, I had all sorts of good hardware at my disposal. My new PC was better in every way imaginable, with one glaring exception: noise levels. Turns out that powerful components that generate a lot of heat and draw a lot of power also make quite a bit of noise, no surprise there.

After days of teasing, BMW has revealed the 2027 7 Series. It's a major overhaul for the luxury sedan, particularly for eco-conscious drivers buying the i7 EV.

Like many technical users, I tend to gravitate toward the terminal. The reason is that there are a lot of tools that help me be productive, or in the case of games, unproductive. Here are some of my favorite tools that help me live in the Linux terminal.

Ask any binge-watcher, and they'll be quick to rattle off the name of their favorite cult-classic show. In recent years, my go-to answer is The OA, a mysterious Netflix drama that ran for two seasons before its cancellation.

Many of us rely on Google Maps (or your navigation app of choice) running through Android Auto to get from point A to point B. It makes sense—navigation is one of the most fundamental features any modern car can offer, and it's only made better by Android Auto because it ditches the clunky built-in systems in favor of something familiar.

The Toyota Crown has carved out a unique space in the sedan market by blending premium comfort, hybrid efficiency, and upscale styling without wearing a traditional luxury badge. For buyers who want near-luxury refinement with everyday practicality, it makes a strong case. But it isn’t the only option delivering that formula, and it may not be the best value.

These days, you need a lot of different logins. That's a lot to remember, so most people look for the easiest way to handle it. For a long time, the easiest option was the password manager built right into your web browser. This feature lets you get into sites without typing long, complex logins. However, this widespread convenience has hidden a basic security problem in how web browsers work. The convenience you get day-to-day isn't worth the big, ongoing risk of someone taking your private data, which is why some people use BitWarden.

You usually think of a modern smart home as a place for order and automations that feel like magic. However, under this surface of usefulness, there is an opportunity for play. For decades, the world has been driven by one obsessive question that acts as a test for any new hardware: can it run DOOM?

As a PC gamer, I'm more than familiar with the "need more fps" mentality. The "higher number better" mentality. The constant feeling like 60 fps isn't enough, you need 144 fps, and when that's not enough, you need even more.

Are you an NFL fan patiently awaiting the start of the new season or getting amped about the NFL draft? Do you also love power tools? If so, you'll be happy to hear that Lowe's just dropped some awesome NFL-themed Kobalt Mini Toolboxes, but they're selling out fast.

The humble Benchy is the go-to first print for many proud new 3D printer owners, a “torture test” benchmark in the form of a model boat that was designed to put the printers of the past through their paces.

Let’s say that you have an Audible subscription, or you’re even an Audible Plus member, and you’re looking to listen to even more books in your free time. But it just feels like there’s not enough time in the day, and slowly, the idea of keeping this subscription might not even be worth it.

Cloud services that support smart home devices offer convenience. For example, a cloud service can allow you to control a smart home device remotely when you're away from home. However, history has shown that when companies stop offering cloud services, it can render your smart home devices completely useless.

We all have a router, and we all neglect them. You've probably heard the tall tales of how heat affects performance, and you may not buy into it. However, the effects on electronic components are very real. Knowing the dangers could save you money, not only on routers but on all your expensive equipment.

Whether it’s finding your next train or taking a flight across the ocean, travel can be incredibly stressful. Google Wallet is already an essential travel app, but it’s getting a nice update that will make it even more useful on the go.

If you are shopping for a different vehicle these days, you have likely noticed how prominent hybrid options have become. What used to be a niche alternative is now a mainstream choice for almost every vehicle, from compact sedans and midsize SUVs to full-size pickups.

You've just unboxed and powered up your shiny new Windows laptop and once you've gone through the needlessly complicated OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience), you're good to go, right?

I've owned a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE for more than three and a half years now, and while I recently demoted it to my secondary phone, I continue using it at least a few days each week. I've got tons of apps installed on it, with a good chunk of them being open source.

RebeccaBlackOS is a fan-made Linux distribution (the title is a reference to the singer of the viral song "Friday," which I'm listening to for the first time as I write this). It sounds like a meme distro, but unlike actual meme distributions (Hannah Montana and Justin Bieber Linux come to mind), RebeccaBlackOS wasn't abandoned within months. Its developers have regularly released updates for the past 14 years, with the latest upgrade rolling out on February 22, 2026. Surprisingly, it's actually a useful and practical distro for Linux users.

Luxury SUVs from German brands have long set the standard for performance, prestige, and premium design. But for buyers who want sharper handling and more personality without paying the usual premium, one Italian contender makes a surprisingly strong case. It delivers the kind of driving engagement typically associated with a sports sedan, while still offering the space and practicality expected from an SUV.